Now...is there any reason you couldn't combine the best features of both designs? Use the vertical scoop of the Savonius, but instead of a shaft attached to a conventional generator, have rings of magnets and coils, like the Honeywell design, at the top and bottom?

(I hope that picture is clear in ya'll's heads.) I'm a historian/strategist, not an engineer. Any engineers out there want to tell me if my idea would be feasible?

I don't even need to build one (Savonius). The junkyard half a mile from my place has two of them for sale. I have looked into their efficiency, though, and I'm not especially impressed - particularly for my location.

One other thing: They have one - a single split 55 drum (the other is a double, twice as tall) - mounted on top of a shed. Aside from being butt ugly, it makes a lot of noise in operation.

The Savonious still has to turn an alternator, and is far less efficient. At least that's the way I understand it.

One big advantage of a Savonius wind turbine is that it will start generating at very low wind speeds; unlike the Darius style vertical axis windmill, it should not need to be "push started" at very low speeds. It will, however, "max out" at a lower speed than other designs. Another disadvantage is that they are very tall, and cannot be roof-mounted.If factory-manufactured (i.e., not out of split 55 gal. drums) they are practically silent. I suggested to a factory rep that he should try selling them to HOAs as "kinetic sculpture with benefits", since HOAs are usually as fond of wind generators as they are of amateur radio antennae...